| ufbz |
My 2001 MDX has 85000 miles now, mostly highway drive. It's up for 90k service. Do you think I should have timing belt replaced? Some of you mentioned to replace it at 80K, others recommend 105k.
I called a dealer and was quoted $1100 for the timing belt, in addition to the $550 charge for the 90k service. Boy is it expensive to own this car! I followed all the major services recommendations at 15k interval (in between for 7500 miles it's just oil change and tire rotation); however I drive a lot due to daily long commute to work, so it takes me half time to reach the 15000 miles service milestone than regular schedule. I have been paying 300~400 hundred dollars every 6 months! Then when it comes to major replacement like tire, brake and timing belt, I pay all the extras! |
|
|
| Pauls MDX |
| It's expensive to own a Luxury SUV. Remember it's not a Ford or a Chevy. |
|
|
| DaleB |
1. Do you read the manual and have ONLY what is recommended by Acura to have serviced?
2. Have you attempted to find an independent mechanic well versed in Honda/Acura vehicles?
3. Have you been to this forum before? It could have saved you lots of money.
4. At 90K I would probably go ahead with the water pump when the timing belt is replaced. My personal opinion. But the cost is still outrageous. I see service specials all the time in the 350-500 bracket.
This dealer must love you. You CC numbers must be burned into his scanner. |
|
|
| ufbz |
1. Yes I follow the service manual and do what Acura recommends, maybe to a point of too much!
2. I did oil change and tire replacement in Costco. For all other major service (first 7500 and every 15k thereafter, at Acura dealer). One thing I liked is their free loaner car that others don't provide.
3. Yes I have been here but mostly as a silent reader. But I did order all my add-on parts from Jim to save some bucks :--)
4. Do you mean $350~500 special for timing belt replacement? From Acura? What do you think about replacing timing belt by a 3rd party mechanic shop? Or should I rather let Acura handle this?
I know owning a luxury SUV is expensive. But I did not expect this much! My wife has a Lexus but was not that expensive in maintenance. Plus this transmission problem I had, already 2 times in shop and will be in again after the recall notice I just received. |
|
|
| JimH |
| I just called one of the Oregon Acura dealers, and he quoted a price (his Acura dealership book quote) of $ 689 to replace the timing belt. I believe the $ 1100 quote is a complete rip-off and an insult to customers who bring their cars in for service. I would ask other dealers for a quote or have a 3rd party do the work. I do not believe it is rocket-science to replace the belt. |
|
|
| JeffK |
Enough is enough!
While the MDX is a "luxury SUV" that doesn't mean its content is with exotic or expensive parts.
It is basically Honda mechanical parts. Many of the parts are off the shelf Honda parts. Now no-one is saying Honda parts are expensive.
The MDX is unlike a Mercedes, BMW or even an Audi, where ever part seems to be specially manufactured for a particular model.
As to the loner: Most of the normal servicing takes less than 2 hours, so I do not know how much 2 hours of your time is worth.
I suspect you would be better off renting a car than paying the outrageous service charges that your dealer is charging you.
JeffK |
|
|
| DaleB |
I will see if I can find some of the coupon specials I saw. It may have been for a Honda Pilot which would be the same anyway, and often cheaper.
Being out of warranty, I would be bringing it to a Honda dealer where they can do a lot of the same service. And yes, a good well-known independent honda mechanic with his own shop would also get my business. Personal referrals are worth a lot.
Maybe you are getting tire, brake, alignments all done at the dealer too. Again, would find independent with good reps to do that. You would be surprised how many dealerships send their cars out to an alignment shop down the street.
Good specials here..
http://www.acuraofthedesert.com/index2.htm |
|
|
| JimH |
| On that web site, one needs to click on "current incentives" to view the couponshttp://www.acuraofthedesert.com/index2.htm. |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by JimH
On that web site, one needs to click on "current incentives" to view the couponshttp://www.acuraofthedesert.com/index2.htm.
The first reasonable prices I have seen at an Acura service department.:29:
Bet that shop is real busy.
The name of that Acura dealer sounds familiar. Is that where
DaleB bought his GG? |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
The first reasonable prices I have seen at an Acura service department.:29:
Bet that shop is real busy.
The name of that Acura dealer sounds familiar. Is that where
DaleB bought his GG?
You got it. Have not been back for service but may be worth it on the next small vacation to go to Palm Springs.
Just got another oil change at the local Honda dealer for $14. I do bring my own oil and filter.
The local Acura dealer charges me $25 for the same service. But both are friendly and no nonesense. Honda is just more hungry for customers.
I can tell you, Acura pricing for service does not have much to do with location. |
|
|
|
